Jerusalem Coaching Institute

What actually makes a country strong?

76 years ago, a nation was born.
Since then—resilience, resourcefulness, and innovation have not been ideas.
They’ve been lived. Every single day.

And that kind of strength doesn’t begin at the national level.
It begins within people.

The ability to steady yourself when things feel uncertain.
To access your internal resources.
To act with clarity, strength, and responsibility—especially when it’s hard.

At the Jerusalem Coaching Institute, this is the work.
Developing the kind of inner independence that allows people—and a nation—to continue building, growing, and thriving.

Yom HaAtzmaut Sameach 🇮🇱

These are heavy days.

When sirens sound, it is not only buildings that shake — it is nervous systems. It is parents trying to stay steady. It is children searching our faces for reassurance.

At the Jerusalem Coaching Institute, we believe that in moments like these, leadership begins quietly — with one regulated breath, one calm voice, one steady presence.

We are deeply proud of JCI faculty member Elana Godley, MA — Trauma-Informed Organizational & Counselling Psychologist and Executive Coach — who created a thoughtful, trauma-informed guide for parents navigating sirens and shelter moments.

Her work was inspired by a widely shared and deeply moving video of an IDF pilot speaking directly to children during sirens, reminding them that they are protected and not alone. Elana took that spirit of reassurance and translated it into practical, evidence-based guidance for parents — rooted in attachment science, neurobiology, and compassion.

The excerpts we are sharing are simple, but powerful:

Regulate yourself first.
Use steady, repeating language.
Normalize your child’s feelings.
Reconnect after the siren ends.

The goal is not to erase fear.
The goal is to build connection and felt safety in the middle of uncertainty.

This is who we are at JCI.

We train leaders who know that emotional regulation is not a luxury — it is a responsibility.
We believe resilience grows in relationship.
We believe community is built through steadiness and care.

If this resource supports you, please share it.
Someone in your circle may need these words tonight.

And if your school, parent group, or organization would benefit from trauma-informed guidance, our faculty are here.

You are not alone.
We are a community.

— Jerusalem Coaching Institute

In times of uncertainty, values become visible.

At the Jerusalem Coaching Institute, we believe leadership begins with regulation.
We believe connection builds resilience.
We believe communities grow stronger when families feel supported.

We are proud to highlight JCI faculty member Elana Godley, MA — Trauma-Informed Organizational & Counselling Psychologist — who created a trauma-informed guide for parents navigating sirens and shelter moments.

Her guide was inspired by a widely shared and deeply reassuring video of an IDF pilot speaking directly to children during sirens — reminding them that they are protected and not alone.

The slides we are sharing here are excerpts from her guide.

They offer:
• Practical regulation tools for parents
• Simple, steady language to use with children
• Gentle ways to restore connection after a siren

The goal is not to eliminate fear.
The goal is to increase connection, steadiness, and felt safety.

This is who we are.
This is what we train.
This is how we serve our community.

If your school, parent network, or organization would benefit from trauma-informed guidance, we are here.

You are not alone.
— Jerusalem Coaching Institute

🎉 **MILESTONE MOMENT** 🎉

Celebrating our incredible FIRST cohort of coaches who have completed their training in Emotion Aid®️ at the Jerusalem Coaching Institute! These pioneering professionals are now equipped with cutting-edge tools to support emotional wellness and transformation in their communities.

From our virtual classroom to real-world impact - this group has shown dedication, curiosity, and compassion throughout their journey. They’re not just our first graduates; they’re the foundation of a movement that will ripple out to touch countless lives.

To our trailblazing coaches: You’ve mastered the skills, you’ve embraced the methodology, and now you’re ready to make a difference. The world needs what you have to offer! 💪

When our clients—and we—need resilience most 🧠

As we navigate these challenging times, trauma-informed skills have never been more essential for helping professionals.

This 5-session certification equips you with practical, science-backed tools you can implement IMMEDIATELY—no revisiting painful memories required.

✨ Perfect for coaches, therapists, counselors, and helping professionals
✨ Master the EmotionAid®️ method with trauma expert Elana Godley
✨ Apply these techniques with clients AND yourself

Limited spots available! Early registration discount ends May 30th.

Register now: [Link in comments] or DM us for registration info.

🌟 Two passions, one purpose: transformation through coaching 🌟
There’s something magical about dividing my time between working with individual clients and teaching at the Jerusalem Coaching Institute. Each role feeds the other—the insights from my client sessions enrich my teaching, while guiding new coaches deepens my own practice.
Celebrating our newest graduates reminds me why I love this work so much. Watching these incredible coaches develop their skills and find their unique voices is as rewarding as witnessing breakthroughs with my personal clients.
Whether I’m in a one-on-one session or standing before a class, the goal remains the same: creating spaces where people can discover their inner wisdom and step more fully into their potential.
How do you balance different aspects of your professional life? I’d love to hear your experiences!

🎓✨ Mazel tov to our incredible graduates!
The latest cohort of the Jerusalem Coaching Institute represents the best of what’s possible when heart, wisdom, and courage come together. 🌍
This group is beautifully diverse — in background, profession, and life experience — yet united in their commitment to growth, healing, and service. Watching each of them step into their power as coaches has been nothing short of inspiring.
Here’s to the journeys you’ve taken and the ones you’re about to lead others through. We are so proud of you! ❤️🧭
Pictured (L-R): Dean Unterslak (South Africa), Leah Bali (Mexico), Leah Gniwesch (Director), Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein, Ilana Erdfarb, Alena Levy (Slovakia), Aaron Wolokovisky (Mexico), Tammy Klein, Ellen Levi. Not pictured: Tzippy Rosenstock.

Would you LOVE the opportunity to have someone help you to move forward in your life for FREE?

There are TWO openings available for our advanced students who need volunteer clients for their practicum.

If you have something you would like to work on, speak fluent English or Hebrew and are able to commit to 5 one hour weekly in person sessions in Jerusalem, please reach out to our director of training, Dr Leah Gniwesch, PhD at [email protected].

Baking bread is a beautiful way to build community, and at the Jerusalem Coaching Institute, we know that these shared experiences enhance our learning environment. This loaf, crafted from a cherished recipe by our talented alumna Adele (Shelley) Shafrin, symbolizes the warmth and connection we foster here.
As we welcome our incoming class, it’s clear that personal touches like this are integral to creating the best learning experience. Together, we’ll rise and grow, just like this bread! 🍞✨